Caregiving and Family Economics

Approximately 66 million Americans serve as unpaid family caregivers.  Not only do most caregivers underestimate the physical and emotional challenges of caregiving, the majority also fail to realize what a significant financial impact caregiving will have on their families.  While only 40 percent of caregivers anticipate contributing to cover costs of caregiving, 83 percent will end up doing so.  Obviously this leaves most families unprepared for the financial stress caregiving brings.

According to a study that researched the financial impact of family caregiving, the out-of-pocket expenses for caring for an aging parent or spouse averages $5,531 each year.  This number is more than double previous estimates and is greater than the average American household spends on health care and entertainment combined.

The financial study also revealed:

·         63 percent of caregivers experience a reduction of income, although only 38 percent expected such a loss.
·         74 percent of caregivers have either had to change jobs or are not working at all.
·         49 percent say their finances have gotten worse since becoming caregivers.

Many caregivers are forced to decrease their hours at work or turn down promotions in order to keep up with caregiving responsibilities.  One study from 1999 discovered that each caregiver has the potential to lose more than $650,000 in wages, Social Security and pension.  Such lost wages and missed opportunities result in smaller retirement funds and inability to finance home maintenance.  Fortunately, home care systems make it possible for families to put a stop to financial strain.

If you are a family caregiver, you may feel as if you have no choice but to continue on as you are.  The truth is that you do have a choice.  Home care systems have been designed with you in mind.  ClearCare has developed the most sophisticated home care system in the industry and is more affordable than you may think.

Rather than dipping into your personal savings to cover costs, consider how home care can save you money.  Countless family caregivers are integrating a dependable home care system into their lives and providing reliable care for their loved ones at a cost considerably less than paying out-of-pocket.  Call ClearCare to find out how your family can save time and money today.

Seniors Fight Cancer – Homecare Software

More than 50 percent of cancers are diagnosed in seniors over the age of 65.  Although cancer is the second leading cause of death among the elderly, recent years have seen a small decline in the number of cancer deaths.  According to Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, author of A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, cancer deaths are decreasing because of three factors: prevention, early detection, and proper treatment.  Thanks to homecare software such as ClearCare, more cancer patients are able to treat their disease from the comfort of their own home.  Many patients agree that staying at home has helped them maintain a more positive outlook and a healthier lifestyle overall.

ClearCare is happy to help cancer patients maintain their independence by offering the most innovative homecare system on the market.  A reliable homecare system benefits cancer patients and their families in numerous ways, including:

·         Detailed daily itineraries available for viewing 24/7
·         Immediate alerts for family members
·         Dependable medication management
·         Doctor appointment reminders
·         Clear communication between client, caregiver, doctors and family

Taking advantage of ClearCare’s outstanding homecare system gives caregivers the simplest way to track patient care and treatment.  Cancer patients need careful monitoring, which is nearly effortless with ClearCare’s quality homecare software.  Caregivers using such software can take note of the cancer patient’s daily activities, treatment progress, medication side effects and other essential health details.  Such competent supervision eases the burden of care for family members who are then in a better position to provide comfort to the cancer patient.

Research shows that seniors with cancer who live at home fare much better than those who receive treatment in a care facility.  ClearCare’s ground-breaking homecare system makes homecare easier than ever before.  Relying on a competent homecare agency allows families to stay more organized – which is extremely important in the event of an emergency.  Caregivers will always be able to get in touch with family members, doctors, and other health professionals whenever necessary.

Coping with cancer at home may be challenging, but with ClearCare’s helpful homecare software the journey will be much smoother.

Determining if Your Elderly Loved One is Being Cared for Properly

The decision to hire a professional caregiver for your elderly loved one is an important one.  You may wish you had the luxury of staying home with the senior yourself, but circumstances aren’t allowing it.  Fortunately, a paid caregiver can still give your loved one the time and commitment they deserve.  Knowing your parent or grandparent is being well cared for is the best way to combat any feelings of doubt or hesitation – so make sure you hire the right caregiver.  Using an agency that offers care software technology gives you a distinct advantage.

According to a survey that interviewed the elderly and infirm, 90 percent preferred home care over institutional care.  If you have a parent or grandparent that needs help with day-to-day tasks but wishes to remain at home, hiring an in-home caregiver is undoubtedly the best solution.  By using an agency that utilizes ClearCare’s homecare management software you will always know your loved one is being properly cared for.

Choosing the Right Caregiver

The most important first step in guaranteeing your loved one is cared for properly is to hire the right caregiver.  The following criteria will aid you during the interviewing process.

·  Insist on a criminal background check.  Never rely on the caregiver’s word for it; always ask to see the proper documentation.
·  Check references.  It’s recommended to speak with two or three past clients and ask questions to get a real feel for the caregiver.  ClearCare’s care software technology makes it easy to keep track of caregiver credentials and past work.
·  Consider hiring a Licensed Vocational Nurse or RN.  Such specialists are adequately trained, recognize early symptoms of illness, and have high standards of care.
·  Interview several caregivers.  Even if you are meeting with an agency administrator, ask to meet with the specific caregivers who may be assigned to your relative.  If you are not comfortable with one of the providers you meet, it’s okay to request a different one.
·  Ask about the agency’s homecare management software program.  ClearCare’s care software technology gives excellent peace of mind to families because of the real-time visibility to daily care.

Stay Involved

Ensuring reliability is easy when you use a system like ClearCare.  This innovative care software technology notifies you when the caregiver arrives at your parent’s home and when each specific daily task is completed.  Such technology proves not only that your loved one is indeed receiving care, but also that medications are administered on time and meals are served as scheduled.

ClearCare’s homecare management software also facilitates good communication between you and the caregiver.  If you have given the caregiver detailed instructions and outlined clear expectations, the caregiver will know exactly what her job involves.

With the help of ClearCare’s homecare management software, good communication and active involvement, you can be assured your loved one is being cared for properly.

10 Signs a Senior Needs Help at Home – Part Two

Somtimes seniors don’t always like to ask for assistance.  The responsibility of suggestiong extra help often falls on the shoulders of the children.  Using an agency that offers ClearCare’s home care system has been the solution for countless seniors that need more help at home.  If your family notices any of the following signs with regard to your loved one, it may be time to look into hiring an in-home caregiver.

6.   Decline in housekeeping.  Have you noticed dirty dishes constantly piled in the sink at your parent’s house?  Does the laundry seem like it’s never finished?  If you notice more than the normal amount of clutter and dust, it may be time to bring in an in-home caregiver that can help with the housekeeping.  A caregiver that uses ClearCare’s home care software can easily track what tasks the senior needs assistance with.

7.   Signs of injury.  Abrasions or bruises on a senior (that she can’t or does not want to explain) are likely the results of a fall.  If your parent is showing bruises on a regular basis, there is cause for concern.

8.   Vulnerability to predators.  Seniors are at high risk for being taken advantage of because of their age and circumstances.  If your parent shows poor judgment, impulsive behavior, or a naive attitude, he may be a prime target for criminals.

9.   Reduced or limited mobility.  Joint problems and muscle weakness make everyday activities a challenge.  Seniors who are unsteady on their feet or have trouble accomplishing normal tasks can easily become frustrated.  ClearCare’s home care system is perfect for seniors who need a little help but still want to maintain their independence.

10.   Decreased physical activity or interest in hobbies.  If you start noticing that your parent is staying home more often, turning down social invitations, and not spending much time with friends, it could indicate depression.  Drastic mood changes can also be indicative of illness, so stay alert for such behavioral changes.

Seniors might not always appreciate your suggestion of hiring in-home help, but if you approach the issue calmly and present the benefits of ClearCare’s home care software, your parent will understand you are only trying to help her “age in place” at home.

10 Signs a Senior Needs Help at Home – Part One

The biggest fear seniors face is losing their independence, according to a 2012 report from the AARP.  This fear, combined with a strong determination to “age in place” at home, is why many seniors refuse to ask for help – even when it is desperately needed.  As a result, it is often up to the children and other family members to be aware of signs that indicate their loved one needs help at home.  Be alert to the following signs:

1.   Bills are going unpaid.  If you notice that your parent is having trouble balancing the checkbook or paying bills on time, it may be time for you to step in and help.  ClearCare’s home care software is designed to help seniors with organizing their finances.

2.   Personal hygiene is suffering.  Basic self-care needs – such as dressing, grooming and bathing – that are not being cared for properly are warning signs that the senior is losing interest in himself or becoming depressed.

3.   Medications are not being taken correctly.  If you notice that your parent has bottles of expired pills on the counter, you need to become more involved.  If the issue can simply be resolved with organizing a pill box – that’s fine.  If the problem is more complex, you might want to hire an in-home caregiver that uses ClearCare’s home care system.  Utilizing reliable home care software is an excellent way to monitor medications.

4.   Unexplained weight loss.  If your family member is losing weight for no apparent reason, she may be having trouble preparing nutritious meals on a regular basis.  Check out your loved one’s refrigerator and take note of its contents.  Expired or rotten foods should raise a red flag.

5.   Senior is hoarding.  If your parent has begun keeping everything (items that are useless or unnecessary), it may indicate dementia or another illness.

Stay tuned for our next post with 5 more signs to watch out for – plus tips on how a home care system can significantly help.

Homecare Software Helps Manage Senior Depression

Growing older brings a variety of changes to our lives.  As we enter into the “Golden Years,” we face many challenging circumstances, such as retirement decisions, losing loved ones, decreased energy, and health problems.  For some seniors, the worry and stress that accompany age-related issues can easily become overwhelming and result in depression.  For others, depression may be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain.  Whatever the reason is behind a person’s depression, there are many effective treatments that can help – including utilizing homecare software.

1.  Track Behavioral Changes with Homecare Systems
Experts agree that keeping track of behavioral habits and moods is the most effective way to monitor senior depression.  If circumstances prevent your family from watching your loved one as closely as you would like, hiring a dependable caregiver that uses ClearCare’s homecare software is the solution you’ve been looking for.  Professional caregivers are alert to behavioral changes that might mean the senior’s depression is getting worse.  Homecare systems allow the caregivers to take note of these mood changes and share this information with physicians and family members.

2.  Medication Management Made Easy

A vital aspect of managing depression is taking all prescribed medications in the correct way.  For families who have a loved one that suffers from depression, it is important to give the homecare agency and caregiver all of the senior’s medicine instructions.  Agencies that use homecare systems have an advantage over other care agencies because of the sophisticated homecare software caregivers use to monitor all medication administration.  Each caregiver that uses ClearCare’s homecare software will always know how much medication should be given to their clients and can immediately update family members when this vital task has been completed.

3.  Homecare Systems Keeps Seniors Active

Unlike other homecare systems, ClearCare’s homecare software is designed to better the lives of seniors and their families.  In-home caregivers that use ClearCare’s homecare software are trained to treat the symptoms of depression and keep seniors active and engaged.  Caregivers will make a special effort to go for walks with their senior clients and engage them in board games or other fun activities.  ClearCare’s reliable homecare software makes it easy for families and caregivers to coordinate care that is customized for seniors suffering from depression.

If you or a loved one is struggling with depression, ask a ClearCare representative today how homecare systems might benefit your family.

Caregiving and Family Caregiving and Family Economics

Approximately 66 million Americans serve as unpaid family caregivers.  Not only do most caregivers underestimate the physical and emotional challenges of caregiving, the majority also fail to realize what a significant financial impact caregiving will have on their families.  While only 40 percent of caregivers anticipate contributing to cover costs of caregiving, 83 percent will end up doing so.  Obviously this leaves most families unprepared for the financial stress caregiving brings.

Caregiving Expenses on the Rise

According to a study that researched the financial impact of family caregiving, the out-of-pocket expenses for caring for an aging parent or spouse averages $5,531 each year.  This number is more than double previous estimates and is greater than the average American household spends on health care and entertainment combined.

The financial study also revealed:

·         63 percent of caregivers experience a reduction of income, although only 38 percent expected such a loss.
·         74 percent of caregivers have either had to change jobs or are not working at all.
·         49 percent say their finances have gotten worse since becoming caregivers.

Many caregivers are forced to decrease their hours at work or turn down promotions in order to keep up with caregiving responsibilities.  One study from 1999 discovered that each caregiver has the potential to lose more than $650,000 in wages, Social Security and pension.  Such lost wages and missed opportunities result in smaller retirement funds and inability to finance home maintenance.  Fortunately, home care systems make it possible for families to put a stop to financial strain.

Home Care Eases Financial Burden

If you are a family caregiver, you may feel as if you have no choice but to continue on as you are.  The truth is that you do have a choice.  Home care systems have been designed with you in mind.  ClearCare has developed the most sophisticated home care system in the industry and is more affordable than you may think.

Rather than dipping into your personal savings to cover costs, consider how home care can save you money.  Countless family caregivers are integrating a dependable home care system into their lives and providing reliable care for their loved ones at a cost considerably less than paying out-of-pocket.  Call ClearCare to find out how your family can save time and money today.

The Challenges of Family Caregiving

More than 44 million individuals provide care to one or more family members.  Although there have always been caregivers, today’s family members face more struggles than any other time in history.  Seniors are living longer – but unfortunately face more health problems.  A MetLife Juggling Act Study, “Balancing Caregiving with Work and the Costs of Caregiving,”  reports that the majority of caregivers underestimate the time they will spend as family caregivers, thinking it will be two years or less.  The reality is that the average length of time spent providing care is eight years.  Understandably, this affects the caregiver and her family in a variety of negative ways.

Pam Plencer of Johnsburg, Illinois, the primary caregiver for her mother reports, “I’m always tired.  A lot of nights I can’t fall asleep because I’m thinking about the events of the day.”  Pam adds, “Caregiving has probably affected my sleep and my immune system.”  Research proves that Pam is unmistakably correct.  Caregiving is one of the most stressful jobs a person can have – both physically and emotionally.  Without the assistance of a professional caregiver and reliable home care system, many caregivers end up burning out.

The Price to Pay

The family caregiver wears many hats.  She is likely a wife, mother, caretaker and employee.  She may be called upon to act as nurse, teacher, chauffeur and psychologist – all in the space of a single day.  These responsibilities can easily become overwhelming.

According to Suzanne Geffen Mintz, president and co-founder of the National Family Caregivers Association, “One of the biggest problems family caregivers experience is depression.  They have a much higher rate of depression.”  Studies show at least 61 percent of family caregivers suffer from depression.

The Struggles Caregivers Face

Caregiving is time-consuming as well as emotionally exhausting.  Unless caregivers turn to home care software for help, the struggles only get worse with time.  Research shows that caregivers regularly experience:

·         Increased risk of heart disease and other illnesses
·         Feelings of loneliness and isolation
·         Stress and anxiety
·         Social withdrawal
·         Family arguments
·         Poor secular performance
·         Strained marriages
·         Exhaustion and insomnia
·         Burnout

Experts agree taking time for oneself is essential to maintaining good health, but for family caregivers, spare time is unheard of.  Enter ClearCare’s home care system.  The ground-breaking technology provided by ClearCare is an answer to every caregiver’s prayer.

Working with a reliable agency that provides time-saving home care software gives caregivers time they desperately need.  Family caregivers remain completely involved in their loved one’s care but now there is a balance of care.

Instead of living only for their elderly parents, ClearCare allows family caregivers the freedom to live life.  Depending on sophisticated home care software program gives caregivers the break they’ve been waiting for.

Managing Your Caregivers with Homecare Systems

Home health agency administrators are responsible for numerous different tasks on a daily basis.  An agency supervisor may be in charge of recruiting caregivers, screening and checking backgrounds, the hiring process and scheduling – just to name a few.  Thankfully, homecare systems are designed to help agencies more effectively manage their caregiver pool.

Homecare systems, such as ClearCare, are affordable and easy-to-use tools for managing caregivers from hiring to firing.  A reliable homecare system assists agency administrators with communication, supervision, scheduling, client/caregiving compatibility, and much more.

Organization

Homecare systems keep your agency’s sensitive information in one safe place.  No longer will you have to fill countless filing cabinets with client information, caregiver contact details and agency procedures.  A competent homecare system like ClearCare gives you a secure way to store your entire’s agency information – accessible 24/7 from any computer or mobile device.

Scheduling

Coordinating schedules and finding appropriate caregivers is easier than ever before.  Your ClearCare homecare system is designed with you mind; your agency’s individual needs come first.  Your clients will be more satisfied with your services thanks to ClearCare’s client/caregiver compatibility matching.  This feature saves you time and effort manually trying to determine which caregivers are right for which clients.  You will always know when caregivers need time off or are unavailable for certain shifts thanks to the reliability of ClearCare’s homecare system.

Payroll

Homecare systems are now the number one solution for administrative duties such as processing payroll and billing.  Easily and quickly review shifts and seamlessly export the information to QuickBooks.  Your invoices and payroll stubs will be completely itemized and accurate, saving you considerable time.  If shifts require editing, this is as simple as the touch of a button.  No longer will agency administrators have to worry about paging through messy “paper journals” in order to input shift details.  The accounting capabilities ClearCare has to offer are user-friendly as well as sophisticated.

The top-notch capabilities homecare systems provide give home health agencies one integrated, fully functional program that helps effectively manage caregivers and other administrative responsibilities.  ClearCare’s homecare software is designed to meet your agency’s specific needs and goals, so please get in touch with one of our helpful representatives today.

Homecare Software Helps Seniors Fight Cancer at Home

More than 50 percent of cancers are diagnosed in seniors over the age of 65.  Although cancer is the second leading cause of death among the elderly, recent years have seen a small decline in the number of cancer deaths.  According to Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, author of A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, cancer deaths are decreasing because of three factors: prevention, early detection, and proper treatment.  Thanks to homecare software such as ClearCare, more cancer patients are able to treat their disease from the comfort of their own home.  Many patients agree that staying at home has helped them maintain a more positive outlook and a healthier lifestyle overall.

ClearCare is happy to help cancer patients maintain their independence by offering the most innovative homecare system on the market.  A reliable homecare system benefits cancer patients and their families in numerous ways, including:

·         Detailed daily itineraries available for viewing 24/7
·         Immediate alerts for family members
·         Dependable medication management
·         Doctor appointment reminders
·         Clear communication between client, caregiver, doctors and family

Taking advantage of ClearCare’s outstanding homecare system gives caregivers the simplest way to track patient care and treatment.  Cancer patients need careful monitoring, which is nearly effortless with ClearCare’s quality homecare software.  Caregivers using such software can take note of the cancer patient’s daily activities, treatment progress, medication side effects and other essential health details.  Such competent supervision eases the burden of care for family members who are then in a better position to provide comfort to the cancer patient.

Research shows that seniors with cancer who live at home fare much better than those who receive treatment in a care facility.  ClearCare’s ground-breaking homecare system makes homecare easier than ever before.  Relying on a competent homecare agency allows families to stay more organized – which is extremely important in the event of an emergency.  Caregivers will always be able to get in touch with family members, doctors, and other health professionals whenever necessary.

Coping with cancer at home may be challenging, but with ClearCare’s helpful homecare software the journey will be much smoother.